Easy Overnight Oats (6 ways!) - I Heart Naptime (2024)

Easy Overnight Oats (6 ways!) - I Heart Naptime (1)

Jamielyn Nye
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It’s easy to make overnight oats for a quick make ahead, grab and go breakfast or snack. Customize with add-ins and toppings to find your favorite delicious combination.

Other healthier breakfast recipes we love include baked oatmeal, this green smoothie recipe and no-bake breakfast cookies!

Easy Overnight Oats (6 ways!) - I Heart Naptime (2)

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Table of Contents

  • Easy Overnight Oats
  • Ingredients
  • How to Make Overnight Oats
  • Favorite Toppings
  • Below are 6 Overnight Oats Combinations that I Love:
  • How Long Do Overnight Oats Keep?
  • More Healthy Breakfast Ideas
  • Overnight Oats Recipe Printable Recipe

Easy Overnight Oats

To stay organized and on track throughout the week, I love to meal prep. Overnight oats are one of my favorite breakfasts to meal prep, as well as my mini egg frittatasand my homemade granola bar recipe.

This easy overnight oat recipe is one of my favorite healthy breakfasts to make for the week ahead! It’s perfect to grab and go and can be customized with fresh fruit, nut butters, honey, chocolate chips, coconut and homemade granola. The options are endless!

Ingredients

Easy Overnight Oats (6 ways!) - I Heart Naptime (3)
  • Oats: I love to use old fashioned oats, however quick oats work too. Use uncooked for this recipe.
  • Milk: I love to use almond milk, but you can use any type of nut of cows milk).
  • Greek yogurt: I love to add this to help thicken the oats.
  • Vanilla + cinnamon: This adds great flavor. Feel free to add brown sugar to sweeten as well.

How to Make Overnight Oats

Start by making the base for the overnight oats, then let it chill in the fridge overnight. The next day, add all your favorite toppings and dig in!

  1. MIX. In a medium bowl, combine oats, milk, Greek yogurt, vanilla, cinnamon and salt. If desired, add in protein powder, chia seeds or a Tablespoon of nut butter, brown sugar, honey or fruit.
  2. POUR. Pour oat mixture into 4 jars and cover with a lid.
  3. CHILL. Place in fridge overnight.

Favorite Toppings

Once the base has set in the fridge overnight, you can then add your favorite toppings. I sometimes even add a little more almond milk, depending on how much the oats have thickened up.

Easy Overnight Oats (6 ways!) - I Heart Naptime (4)

Below are 6 Overnight Oats Combinations that I Love:

  • Peanut butter, banana and chocolate chips
  • Greek yogurt, blueberries, sliced almonds, cinnamon and honey
  • Fresh berries and yogurt with granola
  • Apples, cinnamon, sugar and honey
  • Brown sugar, cinnamon, pecans and maple syrup
  • Mango, mandarin oranges and coconut
Easy Overnight Oats (6 ways!) - I Heart Naptime (5)

How Long Do Overnight Oats Keep?

These easy overnight oats will stay fresh in your fridge for up to 1 week. For storing, I used these Pyrex containers in the photos, however mason jars work great too. As long as the oats are stored in an airtight container with a lid, they will be fine!

When storing, I typically only store the base mixture. Then right before eating, I’ll add in my toppings of choice. This helps the toppings to remain fresh and not get soggy.

Feel free to mix in some extras to your base mixture though, like protein powder, chia seeds, nut butter, brown sugar, honey or fruit. These will hold up just fine when mixed in with the oats and stored in the fridge. If the mixture has thickened up too much in the fridge, add in a little milk to thin it back out.

Easy Overnight Oats (6 ways!) - I Heart Naptime (6)

More Healthy Breakfast Ideas

  • Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
  • Egg White Muffins
  • Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats
  • How To Make Avocado Toast

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Easy Overnight Oats (6 ways!) - I Heart Naptime (11)

Overnight Oats Recipe

5 from 11 votes

↑ Click stars to rate now!

It's easy to make overnight oats for a quick make ahead, grab and go breakfast or snack. Customize with add-ins and toppings to find your favorite delicious combination.

Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

Cook Time: 5 hours hrs 55 minutes mins

Refrigerate: 5 hours hrs 55 minutes mins

Total Time: 6 hours hrs

Servings: 4

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Video

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups Old Fashioned Rolled Oats
  • 2 cups almond milk (sub: cows, cashew or coconut milk)
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt
  • Pinch salt and cinnamon
  • Optional: Add 1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder and 2 teaspoons chia seeds, if desired

Optional mix in or toppings: Greek yogurt, brown sugar, fresh berries, bananas, peanut butter or almond butter, nuts, honey, chocolate chips, granola, coconut

    Instructions

    • Mix together the oats, milk, Greek yogurt, vanilla, cinnamon and salt in a bowl. Add protein powder and/or chia seeds if desired. You can also mix in a Tablespoon of nut butter, brown sugar, honey and fruit here as well.

    • Pour into 4 jars and cover with a lid.Place in the fridge overnight.

    • The next morning, stir in more almond milk if desired. You can also warm in the microwave if you prefer. Sweeten to taste (I always add a teaspoon of honey). Then top with your favorite toppings. My favorites are greek yogurt, almond butter, fresh berries and sliced almonds. Then I like to drizzle honey across the top.

    Notes

    Note: You can divide this recipe into 2 jars for a larger serving, or 4 smaller jars.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 148kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 173mg | Potassium: 145mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Calcium: 193mg | Iron: 1.3mg

    Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

    Course: Breakfast

    Cuisine: American

    Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!

    Easy Overnight Oats (6 ways!) - I Heart Naptime (12)

    Categorized as: American, Breakfast, Make Ahead, Meal Prep, Snacks, Sweet Breakfast, Vegetarian

    Easy Overnight Oats (6 ways!) - I Heart Naptime (13)

    Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is also the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook. Here you will find easy family-friendly recipes for every occasion.

    More about Jamielyn Nye

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    Add a comment

    16 comments

      • Laurie

      Can these be warmed in the microwave before eating?

      • Reply
        • I Heart Naptime Community

        Hi Laurie! I haven’t ever heated them up, overnight oats are typically served cold right out of the fridge. Hope this helps :)

        • Reply
      • L

      Almond doesn’t agree with my stomach. Can I substitute with whole or 2 percent milk?

      • Reply
        • Jamielyn Nye

        Yes of course, you can substitute cows milk, cashew or coconut milk!

        • Reply
      • Paige
      • Easy Overnight Oats (6 ways!) - I Heart Naptime (18)

      First off, these are absolutely BEAUTIFUL. I love the way they look and the flavor combos you have going. And they look easy to make too…I’ve never done so, and you have inspired me to try.

      • Reply
      • katerina @ diethood.com
      • Easy Overnight Oats (6 ways!) - I Heart Naptime (19)

      I want all of these! They are all faaantastic!! YUM!

      • Reply
      • Keri

      Have you ever tried to make it without yogurt? I have a dairy and egg allergy and didn’t know how they would set up!

      • Reply
        • Jamielyn

        Hi Keri! It should work with dairy free yogurt! I recommend Silk soy milk yogurt. :)

        • Reply
      • Mariya

      I love it

      • Reply
      • Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert
      • Easy Overnight Oats (6 ways!) - I Heart Naptime (20)

      These would disappear in our house!

      • Reply
      • Melanie Bauer
      • Easy Overnight Oats (6 ways!) - I Heart Naptime (21)

      So simple yet incredibly delicious! What a perfect way to start our day, need to make this!

      • Reply
      • Abeer
      • Easy Overnight Oats (6 ways!) - I Heart Naptime (22)

      It sounds not only healthy, but very very delicious! Now I know what I will make for breakfast this week!

      • Reply
      • Catalina

      I have to put these on my menu. I love to start the day in a healthy way!

      • Reply
      • Chrissie Baker
      • Easy Overnight Oats (6 ways!) - I Heart Naptime (23)

      This is such a genius idea and I really need to start implementing it to make my mornings go smoother!

      • Reply
      • Allyson Zea

      I love these for healthy breakfast planning!

      • Reply
      • Sabrina
      • Easy Overnight Oats (6 ways!) - I Heart Naptime (24)

      Thank you for all of the options! This will help keep me out of my normal breakfast rut!

      • Reply
    Easy Overnight Oats (6 ways!) - I Heart Naptime (2024)

    FAQs

    Is it okay to eat overnight oats every morning? ›

    Overnight oats are perfectly safe to be eaten every day. You may even eat them every morning if you like. However, some say that they feel oats give them digestive issues; overnight oats are not unsafe for those without medical conditions that affect digestion.

    Is oats overnight heart healthy? ›

    A low-cholesterol diet plays a large role in heart health, so we even provide cholesterol-free options for a healthier choice. Oats Overnight is the perfect heart-healthy breakfast to eat on the go! This high protein ONO is a great daily choice.

    What not to add in overnight oats? ›

    As Best points out, "some of the worst ingredients that are mistakenly added to healthy overnight oat recipes include chocolate sauce, sugar, syrup, and dried fruit."

    Are oats overnight actually healthy? ›

    Overnight oats offer a range of health benefits, due to their rich fibre and protein content. They also contain a number of vitamins and minerals, some of which include manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc. This makes overnight oats healthy for your gut, as well as for overall health and well-being.

    Is there a downside to eating oatmeal? ›

    Oats can cause gas and bloating. To minimize side effects, start with a low dose and increase slowly to the desired amount. Your body will get used to oat bran and the side effects will likely go away.

    Do overnight oats spike blood sugar? ›

    Oats are rich in carbohydrates and a fibre called beta-glucan, which helps in the slow release of glucose into the bloodstream. However, consuming oats in isolation and in the morning may lead to a spike in blood sugar levels due to the Dawn effect.

    What are the disadvantages of overnight oats? ›

    Overnight oats usually contain more calories than traditional oats, which is not ideal for individuals following a low-calorie diet or looking to cut back on calorie-rich foods. Note: Eating raw oats is generally safe, but may cause digestive issues or increase the risk of foodborne illness.

    What is the secret to overnight oats? ›

    Add Twice as Much Milk as Oats

    Whether you prefer whole milk, rice milk or coconut milk, you can use it. Just make sure to add twice as much milk as oats. Note: You can also use whey, buttermilk or thinned yogurt for a tangier flavor.

    What's the best milk for overnight oats? ›

    Dairy milk and oat milk both work well. Coconut milk adds rich flavor and yields an especially creamy texture. Maple syrup – For sweetness. Honey works too.

    Do you eat overnight oats cold? ›

    Overnight oats are, by definition, served cold in the morning. Overnight oats are oats that are soaked in a liquid overnight so that the oats can absorb the liquid - no heating up necessary. The liquid can really be anything. It can be milk, a milk-alternative like almond or soy, or water.

    Which is healthier oatmeal or overnight oats? ›

    When you soak the oats overnight, it's almost like you're cooking them, but the process is much longer and slower, and it's done without heat. Hence, it is more nutrient rich than cooked version.

    What is the point of overnight oats? ›

    When you soak oats, it's almost like you're cooking them without heat. Soaking helps the starches break down and reduces the natural phytic acid, which may help your body utilize the oats' nutrients much more efficiently. Overnight oats are healthier for your gut.

    Can I eat overnight oats every day for weight loss? ›

    There are countless health benefits of overnight oats, especially when it comes to your weight loss goals. It can keep you fuller for longer. For starters, oats can help keep you full, and in turn, can help reduce mindless snacking and excess calorie intake between meals.

    How many days can you eat overnight oats? ›

    We recommend storing overnight oats in the refrigerator in airtight containers for up to five days. That means if you're meal-prepping on Sunday, you can make a work week's worth of overnight oats and not have to think about breakfast again until Saturday.

    What happens if we eat oats daily in the morning? ›

    Studies show that oats and oatmeal have many health benefits. These include weight loss, lower blood sugar levels, and a reduced risk of heart disease. Oats are among the healthiest grains on earth. They're a gluten-free whole grain and a great source of important vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.

    Are overnight oats good for gut health? ›

    Oats improve gut health

    The Beta-Glucan in oats promotes bile-acid excretion which transports toxins out of your gut.

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